Proponents of the bills urge those convicted of crimes of former crimes should not be punished by having their prospects for employment hampered or suffering other consequences.
Opponents Opponents of the measure, including the Media, claim a blanket sealing of conviction records from the public would lead to a less transparent government and court system.
The courts system spokesperson explained that some convictions, before 2001, would have to be redacted from paper docket books and detailed the technical challenges the law change could present.
See Portland Press Herald Article from March 18, 2021
https://www.pressherald.com/2021/03/18/bill-would-seal-minor-marijuana-convictions-in-maine/
See Bill Pending with Legislative Judiciary Committee (LD 216)
http://www.mainelegislature.org/legis/bills/getPDF.asp?paper=HP0151&item=1&snum=130
MEDIA REPORTS ON ITS OWN LAWSUIT
SEE Portland Press Herald Article March 20, 2021
See more details from our March 18, 2021 post below